CTD says five ISKP militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation near Shamshatoo Camp, with one suspect allegedly linked to the February Tarlai Imambargah bombing.
PESHAWAR: Five militants affiliated with the outlawed Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), including a suspect allegedly linked to the February bombing at an Imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, were killed during an intelligence-based operation by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) near Shamshatoo Camp on the outskirts of Peshawar on Thursday.
According to CTD officials, the operation was launched after security personnel received credible information about the presence of ISKP militants at a compound near the Kabul English Language Centre.
Officials said the militants were allegedly planning attacks in Peshawar and other areas, with sensitive installations, Imambargahs and churches among the possible targets.
After verifying the intelligence, CTD SWAT teams surrounded the compound and sealed its entry and exit points. The presence of a basement inside the building prompted security personnel to proceed cautiously, officials said.
As CTD teams entered the compound, the militants allegedly opened fire. Security personnel took cover and retaliated, killing five militants in the ensuing exchange of fire.
A drone was also deployed to monitor movement inside and around the compound and assist the security teams during the operation.
Following the encounter, bomb disposal and forensic teams arrived at the site and collected evidence while completing the required technical and legal procedures.
The CTD said personnel recovered a submachine gun, four pistols, two hand grenades, five magazines, a locally manufactured improvised explosive device and a large quantity of ammunition from the hideout.
Two of the slain militants were identified through identity documents recovered from the site. They were identified as Imran, also known as Abdullah, son of Dilawar Khan, a resident of Tarkho Katkoot in Bajaur’s Mamund tehsil, and Shahidullah, son of Miraj, from Sheikh Baba Charta in Upper Mohmand. The identities of the other three militants were being established.
The CTD said some of the slain militants were among its most wanted suspects and were allegedly involved in about 20 cases involving bomb blasts, targeted killings and other terrorist activities in Peshawar and several other districts.
Officials identified Imran, along with Bilal and Abu Bakar, as wanted militants allegedly linked to multiple attacks.
According to the CTD, Imran was allegedly involved in planning improvised explosive device and vehicle-borne IED attacks. He was also accused of carrying out targeted killings of police officials and political figures and facilitating suicide attacks against security personnel.
The CTD further linked Imran to the suicide bombing at an Imambargah in Tarlai, Islamabad, on Feb. 6, 2026. Officials alleged that he arranged a suicide jacket from Bajaur and transported the bomber from Nowshera to Tarlai, while Shahidullah allegedly conducted reconnaissance and identified the Imambargah as the target.
The February attack killed at least 32 people and injured around 169 others during Friday prayers.
The CTD said the government had announced a Rs12 million reward for information leading to Imran’s arrest or the discovery of his whereabouts.
Officials also accused Imran of involvement in a 2023 suicide attack targeting a Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl workers’ convention in Bajaur.
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